by Joseph Kenny | 04/18/08

Consumers may be dependent on credit cards. But they're also complaining about the fees associated with them.

Take J. Medill Wygum, who wrote a letter to the editor stating that the fee to pay taxes by credit card is just another way for the powers-that-be to take away the typical consumer's money.

Wygum wrote, "When I go to the grocery store I use a credit card. When going to a restaurant I use a credit card. When buying gasoline I use a credit card."

Wygum notes that credit cards work well at fast food outlets, electronics stores, and department stores alike. With just a swipe of the card, within seconds a transaction can be completed. Wygum also notes the convenience of credit cards, since they can be used for transactions through the World Wide Web, via phone, or fax.

However, Wygum takes offense at county treasurers who turn to an official payments corporation to collect taxes by credit card, then sock consumers with a convenience fee. That fee can run in the neighborhood of $30, according to Wygum.

Wygum wonders how great of a percentage the county and the official payment corporation each receive from the convenience fee. Wygum states, "It seems to me that the name of the fee should be shortened from convenience to something more appropriate such as a ‘con or scam to get more of the taxpayers' money."

Wygum recommends that the county in question resumes direct access to credit cards, "without the expense of going through some corporation to gouge the taxpayer."

Consumer advocates have long complained about late fees, high interest charges, over-the-limit charges, and other fees associated with credit card use. The problem has become particularly poignant in recent months due to the housing crisis. Many homeowners may be tempted to let their credit card bills go in order to make their mortgage payments, resulting in additional credit card fees being assessed to them.